hold up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Raise and keep raised
Why “up”? Movement goes from low to high.
“Hold up the sign so everyone can see it.”
“Hold up your ticket at the gate.”
Don't confuse with
Hold up means raise and keep raised. Hold down means keep someone or something restrained.
Test yourself
“Hold up the sign so everyone can see it.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hold down
A contrast learners often mix up
Keep someone or something restrained
call up
Same up pattern: upward
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
climb up
Same up pattern: upward
Ascend by gripping or stepping
get up
Same up pattern: upward
Rise from bed or a seat; Move to a standing position; Increase in strength
jump up
Same up pattern: upward
Spring upward into the air
keep up
Same up pattern: upward
Continue at the same level or rate; Move at the same speed as someone else; Stay informed about something current; Prevent someone from going to bed or sleeping; Prevent something from falling down; Maintain pretences, an appearance or a habit; Match the social or financial standard of others
lift up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise something with force
look up
Same up pattern: upward
Direct your eyes upward; Search for information in a book or online; Start to become better; Admire and respect someone (look up to)
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “hold up”.
Practice “hold up” in Sink In
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